From Seussian To Snollygoster, Merriam-Webster Adds Over 1,000 New Words : The Two-WayAmong the words and phrases added to Merriam-Webster's dictionary are "side-eye," "face-palm" and "Seussian" — as well as the decidedly Seussian "snollygoster," which has been enjoying a revival.

From Seussian To Snollygoster, Merriam-Webster Adds Over 1,000 New Words

Sure, the dictionary's a resource designed to give an accurate accounting of words in all their many shapes and sizes, their definitions and their spellings. But whatever finality a dictionary's thick binding implies, it's destined to beg adjustment just as soon as it has been set, as words take shape, wither from disuse or simply fall in and out of favor.

That means we'll just have to make space on our shelf for such a big book made bigger by humblebrag— "to make a seemingly modest, self-critical, or casual statement or reference that is meant to draw attention to one's admirable or impressive qualities or achievements."

It also means we'll finally see our long-derided belief in truther-- "one who believes that the truth about an important subject or event is being concealed from the public by a powerful conspiracy" — finally vindicated by its addition.

And while they may not add up to a fully fledged conlang— or an "invented language" — a few decidedly Seussian-sounding terms like snollygoster, bokehand mumblecore have also found happy endings nestled among Merriam-Webster's new entries.

Though, not to throw shade on poor snollygoster, but the looping oddball of a word for "a shrewd, unprincipled person" isn't all that new; once a regular in the dictionary, it ghostedfrom the pages of Merriam-Webster's abridged Collegiate Dictionary more than a decade ago for its diminished use. It turns out even a word often used to call politicians dishonest isn't everlasting.

Credit Fox News pundit Bill O'Reilly with its surprising revival, Merriam-Webster says. "This time, the lexicographers were wrong," the dictionary admits in something of a mea culpa.

But then, perhaps such a reversal shouldn't be that surprising at all.

"This is a significant addition of words to our dictionary, and it reflects both the breadth of English vocabulary and the speed with which that vocabulary changes," Lisa Schneider, chief digital officer and publisher at Merriam-Webster, says in a news release.